“Carnival has always been a political act. In the First Republic, the black population used Carnival to assert their autonomy. Today is a great space for political and social criticism. At Carnival, humor and sarcasm work as a weapon of political transgression," Eric Brasil, author of the book "The Court at the Party: Black Experiences in Rio de Janeiro Carnivals," told The Intercept Brazil.

And the politicization of the popular party is precisely what has been evident since the beginning of 2020 Carnival in dozens of cities in Brazil, a country where President Jair Bolsonaro seems to be the main promoter of hate speech against ethnic, sexual, and social diversity.

On Saturday, Tom Maior samba school toured the Sao Paulo's sambodromo dancing with the frenzy of rhythms of African origin. From time to time, however, the "sambistas" interrupted their dance to express their message.

"We need to fight for equality" was the phrase the dancers shouted as they raised their fists to remember the "Black Power" gesture.